Types Of Support Cushions and Their Uses

Discomfort, difficulty in sleeping, pain, etc., are just some of the side effects for someone who just underwent a major surgical procedure. The complications and pain often become unbearable for many patients. Adequate sleep and sufficient bed rest are vital, but it becomes almost impossible to get them. Specially designed post-surgery cushions are designed to help patients go through this period.

Post-surgery cushions are perfect for post-surgery patients

Such cushions take care of every need of a post-surgery patient. It helps get comfortable bed rest, sleep in the right position, and provide firm support to operated areas. The right choice of pillow will help reduce pressure on tender and incised areas and minimize post-surgery complications.

After any surgery, a custom post-surgery comfort cushion reduces pain and provides much-needed comfort to patients. Deep breathing, mobility, sneezing, and coughing, everything becomes convenient with them.

There are a variety of recovery pillows available in a plethora of sizes, shapes, and materials. Every type has its use, and we will take a look at the available options. You will know which type of pillow to use in what scenarios, their uses, and benefits.

Knee Pillows

Knee pillows feature an ergonomic shape and design that fits exactly between a patient’s while both sitting and lying down. They have curved sides which fit between your legs. Even when you change positions or turn during your sleep, knee pillows stay in position and help align your spine by supporting your knees. Your posture is improved, and there is less stress on your body.

Knee support pillows are generally used by people suffering from backache, foot pain, leg pain, hip pain, etc. Post-pregnancy women and those who have trouble sleeping on their sides also use these pillows.

Using knee pillows correctly

You have to place the pillow between your legs and knees so that its curved sides touch your body. This position makes sure that the pillow eases pressure on your back, hips, legs, etc., by carrying the weight of your thighs.

If you place the pillow between your ankles, it helps ease the pressure off your foot. You will sleep better and feel less pain in your joints using a knee pillow.

Cervical Pillows

Cervical pillows help people while sleeping by aligning the spine through their cylindrical design. They provide proper support to your neck’s curve so that you don’t rest it at difficult angles.

Cervical pillows support your ankles, back, and knees by relieving tension in your muscles. This also increases blood flow to the brain and helps recovery patients. People with back and shoulder pain, post-surgery discomfort, disc herniation, etc., should use these pillows.

Using Cervical Pillows Correctly

Anyone with neck pain should sleep with a cervical pillow under their neck as it will support the spine’s natural curve and provide relief. You can also place a cervical pillow under your normal pillow and lay your neck on it.

It may feel uncomfortable at first, but you will get used to sleeping over a cervical pillow in a short time. Extend the time you keep the pillow underneath your neck each day, and you will see the results soon.

Bed Wedge Pillows

Bed wedge pillows offer angular support to your body because of their ergonomic design. You don’t have to lie in a neutral position anymore, as these pillows help recline your position for comfort. Issues like acid reflux and sleep apnea are reduced when you sleep on an incline.

Some people also place these pillows beneath their knees to reduce lower back pressure. This ensures ideal blood circulation and relieves swollen feet and muscles. People with bad leg blood circulation, back pain, shoulder or neck pain, etc., should use bed wedge pillows.

Using Bed Wedge Pillows Correctly

Place the flat side of the pillow along the bed or wall and sit comfortably with your back on the pillow. Sit in a reclined position while reading, watching TV, etc.

When you want to lie down or sleep, place the pillow on your mattress with its wide end along the bed’s headboard. Now you can either sleep at a high or low incline.

Bariatric Pillows

Bariatric pillows are meant for those patients recovering from painful bariatric surgeries. The recovery process is long and painful as it hurts whenever you use your abdominal muscles.

Post-operation bariatric pillows are made to reduce discomfort and pain by providing ideal support and firmness to the operated abdominal part. These splint cushions minimize complications after surgery, support the incised area, and speeds up recovery.

Using Bariatric Pillows Correctly

Patients recovering from abdominal surgery should hold bariatric pillows firmly against the abdomen and put some pressure on the stomach. This reduces discomfort by supporting the abdomen as it pains whenever you have to use the abdominal muscles.

Bariatric pillows also come in stuffed animals’ shapes to provide psychological support to someone who went through a gruesome surgery.

Heart Pillows

Heart pillows are meant to give firm sternal support to patients who are recovering from respiratory surgery. There are many complications to take care of, and post-surgery heart cushions make this time bearable.

Recovery patients can easily carry these pillows with them anywhere and use them when required. Deep breathing, sneezing, coughing, etc., becomes painful for respiratory surgery recovery patients and heart pillows come in handy.

Using Heart Pillows Correctly

Most heart pillows have handles so that patients can carry them easily and place them on their chest area while coughing or sneezing. It even hurts to breathe deeply, and heart pillows are designed to minimize pain. These pillows are effective after cardiac and respiratory procedures.

Conclusion

There are many recovery and support cushions that help surgery recovery patients and people with back, neck, shoulder issues, etc. These cushions come in various shapes and sizes, and we read about some of the most commonly used ones.

If you are experiencing pain and discomfort from recent surgery, then post-surgery cushions are a safe bet. You also improve body posture and blood circulation using these. We recommend you to consider your needs and get a support cushion for better recovery and happier times.